Interview: 2019 Arkansas RB Samy Johnson Blazing Trails to the End Zone

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are a lot of amazing talents in the 2019 recruiting class, and Samy Johnson is one of them. Even with the quickest of looks at his highlight reel, his talents jump off the screen. With elite speed and field vision, Johnson has worked his way not only into one of the top recruits in the state of Arkansas but in the nation among his peer group as a play making scat-back.

Among the many attributes one can pin on Johnson is heart. All 5-11, 180 pounds, of him is heart and determination never going down on first contact driving his legs forward for extra yards. Sometimes those extra yards turn into an explosive breakaway play displaying great balance in and out of the box among a crowd of defenders. One does not compile 1,944 yards off 211 carries with 20 rushing touchdowns on runs up the middle falling over with the slightest touch. Johnson’s 9.2 yards per carry sheds light on his hard running up the middle and off-tackle while his six receptions for 175 yards with three scores give hints about his all-purpose nature.

Fans of Catholic High School football are not the only people impressed with Johnson. The top in-state publication, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, tabbed him as their “Sophomore of the Year.” The accolades from the 2016 season went on to include 7A All-State and All-Conference honors. The big play on the field has caught attention beyond the Natural State; squads like Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Princeton, Yale, Pennsylvania, and Memphis are showing recruiting interest along with in-state power Arkansas.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising Class of 2019 star covering his play on the field and emerging recruiting prospects.

Interview

Samy, how has your junior season started on the field?

“Pretty good so far. There are a lot of teams trying to stop our run game so far this year.”

What were some of the things you worked on in the offseason to prepare for the 2017 schedule?

“I was in the weight room a lot working on getting bigger and gaining weight. On the field, I worked on my conditioning so I do not get tired in the fourth quarter of games.”

How has your game improved from your sophomore to junior year?

“I’d like to think I am seeing the holes better this year. I watch how the line makes blocks so I can make the right cut. I’ve been blocking for the quarterback better this year too.”

How are the Catholic High coaches using you within their offense?

“They are using me to make the other players better. I am playing some receiver and being a better blocker so we can score some touchdowns.”

How are defenses scheming against you this season?

“I’m seeing eight-men in the box. Teams are trying to contain me. We are seeing a lot of blitzes up the middle. They are double-teaming me a lot.”

How are you preparing for each game?

“Watching film and figuring out the schemes they are running so I know how to work against their schemes.”

Did you attend any college camps this summer to help learn more about your position?

“Yes, sir. I went to an Arkansas and Ole Miss camp.”

Did you run a 40-yard dash at any of the camps?

“Yes, sir. I ran a 4.5 at the Arkansas and Ole Miss camp.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?

“Arkansas, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, and Memphis. I am receiving emails from Ivy League schools like Princeton, Yale and Penn.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned coming up?

“I would like to visit Arkansas, Ole Miss, all the Ivy League schools showing interest, and Memphis as well.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“2.8.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the ACT last weekend.”

What is your favorite subject in school this year?

“Chemistry.”

Let’s wrap up the interview back on the field. The Rockets had a tough game against Jonesboro on Friday night, how did that game play out on the field for you?

“For me, it played out well. I did what I could to help the team out. We came close to winning (28-26).”

*Click link to see Johnson’s two-play highlight reel from Jonesboro game

Which game has been your best so far this year and why do you consider that game your best?

“I’d say Sylvan Hills (won 44-7). I was able to break down their defense picking the holes that I like.”

The Rockets have some exciting games left on the schedule, is there a game or two you are a little more excited to play above the others?

“Yes, sir. Central, Bryant, and Fort Smith Northside.”

What are you goals for the 2017 season?

“I have not seen personal goals, but my team goal is to bring the battle to other teams.”

Samy, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

*Click link for Johnson’s 2016 highlight reel

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Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; No. 1 Samy Johnson vs. LR Central (2016)

Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; No. 1 Samy Johnson vs. Bryant (2016)